MRSA is a methicillin resistant staphyococcus bacteria that can cause infections indifferent parts of the body. it is sometimes referred to as a “superbug” because antibiotics are ineffective against it. In some cases, MRSA can be life-threatening.
MRSA: What Is It?
In the United States, staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections, including:
Staph bacteria can cause infections, and the resulting conditions range from mild to life threatening. These conditions include:
Over 100,000 infections are diagnosed annually in the United States. About 25,000 result in death. Approximately 85-90% of all MRSA infections are can start in hospitals.
This infection is highly contagious. It can spread from person-to-person (skin-to-skin contact) and from person-to-object-to-person when an individual has active MRSA.
Skin-to-skin contact with someone carrying the infection is not necessary for infection to spread. The bacteria are also able to survive for extensive periods on surfaces and objects including door handles, floors, sinks, taps, cleaning equipment, and fabric. Those with weak immune systems such as the aged senior citizens, and young children are especially vulnerable.
According to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control), those with a weakened immune system can also include:
MRSA: Symptoms
Staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or sore area of the skin that looks like an insect bite. The infected area can be:
Serious infections can present as:
MRSA: Treatments
Medication options to treat this infection are limited in that antibiotics were over prescribed for years. This allowed the MRSA to mutate. But, current effective medicines are clindamycin and the tetracycline drugs. Other treatments include pus drainage, wound care and hygiene, and antimicrobial therapy in the case of cellulitis.